Sports injuries are injuries that occur in athletic activities. In many cases, these injuries are due to overuse or acute trauma of a part of the body when participating in a certain activity. For example, Runner’s Knee is a painful condition generally associated with running, while Tennis Elbow is a form of repetitive motion injury in the elbow.

Hard contact with something can cause other types of injuries. This can often cause a broken bone or torn ligament or tendon. The most severe injuries and all fatalities are collectively known as catastrophic injuries, usually a result of trauma to the head, spine, or spinal cord.

Injuries are a common occurrence in all sports. Most professional teams have a staff of Athletic Trainers and close connections to the medical community. Controversy has arisen at times when teams have made decisions that could threaten a player’s long-term health for short-term gain.

What Are Common Types of Sports Injuries?

  • Knee Injuries
  • Bone Fractures
  • Shin splints
  • Concussion
  • Sprains
  • Tennis elbow
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Joint dislocation
  • Sprained ankle
  • Shoulder problem
  • Strains
  • ACL injury
  • Groin pull
  • Tendinopathy
  • Stress fracture
  • Rotator cuff tear
  • Lower back pain
  • Pulled muscle
  • Meniscus tear
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Pulled hamstring
  • Ankle injuries
  • Common sports injuries
  • Elbow Tendonitis

How Does a Sports Injury Affect the Body

These severe injuries result in harm to the cells that constitute the soft tissues. The deceased and impaired cells discharge chemicals that trigger an inflammation response.

Damage occurs to small blood vessels, and they open up, producing bleeding within the tissue. As part of the body’s typical response, a minor blood clot is created to halt the bleeding, and from this clot, unique cells (known as fibroblasts) emerge. The healing process commences with the formation of scar tissue.

The initial phase of healing is the inflammatory stage. However, an excessive inflammatory response at the beginning can prolong the healing process and delay the resumption of activities. Treatments for sports injuries aim to reduce the inflammation stage of an injury to speed up the overall healing process. Both internal and external factors influence the healing process.

What Are Signs and Symptoms You Have Sports Injury?

The number one sign is inflammation. Inflammation is characterized by discomfort, localized swelling, warmth, redness, and a decrease in function.

A contusion or bruise is the result of damage to tiny blood vessels, leading to internal bleeding within the tissues. A muscle strain refers to a minor tear in muscle fibers, while a ligament sprain is a minor tear in ligament tissue. The body reacts to these sports-related injuries in the same way during the initial five-day period post the traumatic event – inflammation.

What Are Sports That See A Lot of Injuries?

Most of the time, heavy-contact sports will receive the most injuries. This is due to the chances of being hit by another player, the high risk of ligaments being damaged, and the method in which the sport is played.

That doesn’t mean only heavy-contact sports see sports injuries. Sports that have a lot of repetitive, strong motions also see issues with shoulders, elbows, and other problems.

Certain players in specific sports are subject to a higher possibility of injury because of the role they play. For example, a pitcher on a baseball team has a high risk due to the repetitive throwing of baseballs at high rates of speed.

Some of the most common sports that see injuries are as follows:

  • Football
  • Soccer
  • Basketball
  • Hockey
  • Skateboarding
  • Rugby & Lacrosse
  • Gymnastics
  • Swimming
  • Baseball & Softball
  • Trampolining
  • Skating
  • Skiing & Snowboarding

Tips for Preventing Sports Injuries

  • An initiative has been established to reduce injuries through a warm-up program. Numerous athletes will engage in HGH Treatment for Athletic Enhancement as a method of injury prevention.
  • You can minimize injury by doing effective warm-ups. Performing stretching routines prior to and following games enhances flexibility. The routine includes a heart stimulator to elevate your heart rate, followed by dynamic stretches specific to the sport (stretches done while in motion).
  • Rest days. Schedule at least one day off each week from a specific sport to all.
  • Use appropriate equipment. Athletes should use suitable and well-fitted protective gear. This includes pads (for neck, shoulder, elbow, chest, knee, shin), helmets, mouthguards, face shields, protective cups, and/or eyewear. Young athletes should not rely solely on protective gear to safeguard them from engaging in more hazardous or risky actions.
  • Muscle strengthening. Conditioning exercises prior to matches and during training sessions strengthen the muscles involved in the sport.
  • Employ correct techniques. Coaches should emphasize this throughout the sports season.
  • Take intervals. Rest periods during training and matches can decrease injuries and prevent heat-related illnesses.

At-Home Care for Sports Injuries

You can treat some sports injuries at home. Providers also use these methods for follow-up care after a visit.

Don’t push yourself because it can make your injury worse. Let the body heal and give it every opportunity to do so.

1. Rest: Allow your body time to heal by avoiding activities that aggravate the injury.

2. Ice: Apply ice to the injured area for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours to reduce swelling and pain.

3. Compression: Use a compression bandage to help reduce swelling and provide support to the injured area.

4. Elevation: Elevate the injured area to reduce swelling and promote healing.

5. Over-the-counter pain medication: Consider taking over-the-counter pain and anti inflammatory medication. This helps to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.

6. Gentle stretching and range of motion exercises are important. Once the initial pain and swelling have subsided, gentle stretching and range of motion exercises can help prevent stiffness and promote healing.

When to Seek Medical Care for a Sports Injury?

If you experience severe pain, swelling, or loss of function after a sports injury, it’s important to seek medical attention.

If you are unable to put weight on the injured area, have a visible deformity, or are experiencing numbness or tingling, it’s best to visit a doctor.

Always being cautious and having a professional assess the injury ensures proper treatment and recovery.

You can always visit our urgent care for a sports injury.

We have low-does x-rays on site, provide wound care and much more!

We can also refer you to a local specialist if you need follow-up care. Many sports injuries should also be examined by an Orthopedist if a suspected severe injury occurred, or one that may require surgery to properly heal.

Remember, never wait on a sports injury. You must receive proper care quickly to prevent permanent damage. When a sports injury heals improperly, it can mean life-long pain, complications, and issues. Act fast and get care quickly.

If you are experiencing severe bleeding, concussion, head injury, or a life-threatening injury do not wait! Dial 911 or visit your local Emergency Room right away!